Top Ten Songs Mary J. Blige

Even with all her success, Mary J. Blige is one of the most underrated music artists of all time. Since the release of her breakout hit album, "What's the 411?" in 1991, the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" has taken us along on her journey of self discovery, sharpening her talents to unmatched heights, and providing us with great entertainment and inspiration along the way.

Mary J. Blige, or MJB, has always created infectious songs, mixing heart pounding, feet thumping grooves with irresistibly catchy lyrics that beckon listeners to sing along, matching Mary's inflections with enthusiastic abandon! Mary has created many classic tunes, from heartfelt ballads, to infectious hip hop funk beats, to feet thumping dance grooves. Throughout, fans have come to learn from Mary's words as lessons in life. It's a difficult task to choose ten out of so many great songs, but here are my top ten from the Mary J. Blige songbook:

#1 - No More Drama

The familiar piano of TV's, "The Young and the Restless" theme provides an appropriate background to Mary's now classic tune proclaiming liberation from the unnecessary turmoil that comes with the drama that exists in many relationships. She's clearly experienced the games and commotion of drama and proclaims she's had enough. The song has become an anthem for life. Anyone who's been in this unfortunate situation in life can heed Mary's words:

"I don't know.
Only God knows where the story ends for me,
but I know where the story begins.
It's up to us to choose whether we win or lose
And I choose to win."

Mary's learned a lot from her entanglements with relationship sagas. Her words inspire us to take responsibility for the choices we make. We determine our own destinies! It's some of the best advice you'll ever hear in a song.

(NOTE - The Thunderpuss remix of the song adds an equally powerful, danceable, and inspirational feel to the classic.)

#2 - Be Without You